Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY.
Adam Clarke
XXV.—MINISTERS AND PEOPLE. [12]
YOUR call is not to instruct men in the doctrines and duties of
Christianity merely, but to convert them from sin to holiness. A doctrine
can be of little value that does not lead to practical effect; and the duties
of Christianity will be preached in vain to all who have not the principle
or obedience.
It is the prerogative of God both to call and qualify a man to be a
successful preacher of his word. All men are not thus called; among the
millions professing Christianity very few are employed in the work of the
ministry in the ordinary course of providence; and still fewer by especial
call. Every revival of religion is the proof of the dispensation of an
extraordinary influence; for in such outpourings of God's Spirit we ever
find extraordinary means and instruments used.
You are either among these ordinary or extraordinary messengers; and
you have either an ordinary or extraordinary call. But as you belong not,
as a Christian minister, to any established form of religion in the land,
you are an extraordinary messenger, or no minister at all; and you have
either an extraordinary call, or you have no call whatever.
I hold this to be a matter of prime importance; for long experience has
shown me that he among us who is not convinced that he has an
extraordinary call to the ministry will never seek for extraordinary help,
will sink under discouragements and persecutions, and consequently, far
from being a light of the world, will be salt without savour; and, in our
connection, a slothful, if not a wicked servant, who should be cast out of
the sacred fold, as an encumberer of the inheritance of the Lord.